The Universal Journalist

'The best book on journalism I have ever read'
Don Johnson, editorial consultant

'Easily the best introduction to being a reporter I have come across. It provides solid, no nonsense advice on the skills needed to do the job but is also willing to tackle the bigger issues every journalist must grapple with from time to time. Best of all, it has been written by a true newsman and his enthusiasm for the task in hand is evident on every page.'
Paul Jones, course leader, Trinity Mirror Editorial Training

'One of the best books around about plying the trade. Packed with handy hints and anecdotes
... An essential, down-to-earth guide to what the job is all about'
Presswise Bulletin

'an insightful book'
Pat Shea, director of BLM in speech to the Associated Press 1998

'We wish this book to determine the spirit of journalistic education at the Faculty.'
Constantin Marin, Faculty of Journalism, State University of Moldova

'David Randall shows there is a way to produce honest and thoughtful journalism and thus restore faith in a business beset from without by the enemies of free expression and from within by traitors to journalism's best standards: whether from the state or from the encroaching ambitions of the media moguls of East and West.'
Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom

'I want to recommend this book for its insights into the principles, pressures and practice of journalism. The author, formerly assistant editor on The Observer, manages to draw together his firm knowledge and grasp of newspaper history, both in the UK and internationally, and combine it with a very modern and specific treatment of the skills which today's journalists need.

The range of the book is impressiveI particularly liked the book for its sharp and gritty approach - it avoids a glossy or romantic treatment and is written (as you would expect) in a lively, direct style. He stays near to journalists' experiences and writings but is sufficiently critical of them as sources.'
Granville Williams, Free Press

I like its common-sense practicality, its firm belief in honest reporting,and its commitment to quality... David Randall's fluent style and his superb range of examples make this book a pleasure to read. Anyone who wants to be a journalist should go through it - again, and again, and again.'
Val Williams, Controller, Press Division, The Thomson Foundation

Irrespective of language or culture, good journalists share a common commitment to the search for truth, often in far from ideal circumstances. With this assertion, David Randall emphasises that good journalism isn't just about universal objectives: it must also involve the acquisition of a range of skills that will empower journalists to operate in an industry where ownership, technology and information is constantly changing. This acclaimed handbook challenges old attitudes, procedures and techniques of journalism where they are seen as cynical and sloppy.

This fully updated edition includes new sections on handling numbers and statistics, computer assisted reporting and writing for the Web, as well as an extensively revised chapter on what makes a good reporter, and a new section on sources. Now more than ever this handbook is an invaluable guide to the 'universals' of good journalistic practice for professional and trainee journalists worldwide
Pluto Press, synopsis of the Universal Journalist

The Universal Journalist Homepage